Complete Electronics Self-Teaching Guide with Projects

Appendix D

Standard Composition Resistor Values

The most commonly used type of resistor is the carbon film resistor with a ± 5 percent tolerance and either a 1/4 or 1/2 watt power rating. The standard resistance values for this type of resistor are listed in the following table (in ohms). You should purchase resistors at any of these values through the online distributors listed in Appendix E, “Supplemental Resources.” Power resistors are available with fewer resistance values, which you can find in the catalogs of various suppliers.

Note In the following table, “k” represents kilo-ohms, so 7.5 k translates into 7,500 ohms. Similarly, “M” stands for megohms, so a value of 3.6 M represents 3,600,000 ohms.